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Christopher Griffin

Partner

Christopher has broad experience of both general international corporate and funds work with particular expertise in private equity and hedge funds, having spent ten years in the City at Ashurst, RAB Capital plc and most recently at SJ Berwin.

Christopher spearheads Carey Olsen's crypto practice, advising on the launch in 2017 of Coinshares Fund I (a venture cap fund investing in crypto assets) and ARC Reserve Currency, Jersey's first initial coin offering or "ICO". Christopher also advises on all aspects of fund and corporate transactions, including the legal and regulatory aspects of fund launches, and joint ventures. He also has considerable experience in dealing with the Jersey Financial Services Commission in navigating investment vehicles through the Jersey regulatory approval process.

While at Ashurst and SJ Berwin, he acted for several hedge funds, private equity and venture capital houses in relation to their fund launches, carried interest arrangements and ongoing corporate governance issues, including fund restructurings. During his time at RAB, Christopher set up several funds and advised in relation to the establishment of numerous managed accounts, including several bespoke performance fee mechanisms. More recently, Christopher has advised both managers and investors on the legal aspects of fund restructurings.

Career

Christopher joined Ashurst as a trainee in 2001 and qualified into the firm's corporate department in March 2003. During his time at Ashurst, Christopher was seconded to Invesco Asset Management to bolster their legal function. On his return, Christopher moved into Ashurst's funds team where he spent two years. In January 2007, Christopher joined the AIM-listed hedge fund manager RAB Capital plc as in-house counsel and then moved to SJ Berwin's market leading funds practice in September 2008.

Christopher read History at The University of Bristol and completed the PGDL and LPC at The College of Law (Guildford). Prior to his law career, Christopher served as an infantry officer in the British Army. He joined the Carey Olsen partnership in January 2018.